Vatican II: An Occasion of Sin - Fr. James Marshall 05-20-25

SummaryFr. Marshall reflects on the Gospel account of Christ entering through locked doors to be with the Apostles, as interpreted by St. Thomas Aquinas: the Lord only enters souls that keep the “doors of the senses” shut. He warns that exposing ourselves to the occasions of sin is spiritually deadly, citing St. Alphonsus, St. Thomas, and others who emphasize that God may withhold grace from those who voluntarily enter such occasions.The sermon explains the typical pattern of temptation—dialogue with the devil, engaging the senses, pondering sin, and acting upon it—and urges Catholics to flee even from remote occasions of sin, particularly in matters of impurity. Pride, he notes, is at the root of all sin.Fr. Marshall then applies this principle to the Vatican II religion and its popes, accusing them of placing Catholics into occasions of sin by promoting “dialogue” that legitimizes heresy and by granting freedom of choice in doctrine, liturgy, and discipline. He denounces synodality as a prime example of fostering pride and subjectivism, contrary to the humble submission required by the true Catholic Faith. The faithful are urged to beg Our Lady to guide the election of a true pope who will close the door to Vatican II errors.Key Quotes“God withholds efficacious help from those who voluntarily expose themselves to the occasions of sin.” – St. Alphonsus Liguori“If thy right eye scandalize thee, pluck it out… you must fly from all evil occasions.” – Our Lord (Matt. 5:29)“The victory [over impurity] is gained by cowards… those who fly from the occasions of this sin.” – St. Philip Neri“The council of avoiding the occasions of sin is the foundation of religion… the council of entering into them is the destruction of religion.” – St. Bernardine of Siena“The Vatican II religion and its popes have placed many Catholics in occasions of sin… thus false.” – Fr. MarshallKey Points & TakeawaysOccasions of Sin are Spiritually FatalDeliberately entering occasions of sin invites spiritual ruin and can cause God to withdraw special graces.Root of Sin is PrideThe process of entertaining temptation stems from prideful self-reliance instead of humble flight from danger.Victory Comes from FleeingEspecially in impurity, saints counsel “cowardice” toward temptation—avoiding dangerous persons, places, and circumstances altogether.Vatican II Promotes Spiritual DangerIts doctrines and pastoral approaches, especially “dialogue” and “religion of choice,” are themselves occasions of sin, encouraging pride, relativism, and heresy.Synodality is a Pride TrapBy treating revealed truth as a matter for discussion and consensus, synodality is an institutionalized occasion of sin against faith.Our Duty in the CrisisAvoid participation in the Vatican II sect, reject its teaching, and work for the restoration of a true pope.ConclusionFr. Marshall draws a clear parallel between the moral law of avoiding near occasions of sin and the Church’s current spiritual crisis. Just as a Catholic must shun physical and moral situations that lead to temptation, the faithful must avoid the doctrinal, liturgical, and disciplinary errors of the Vatican II religion, which are themselves occasions of sin against the faith. The solution is not compromise or selective participation but total separation from the false religion, in humble fidelity to Christ’s immutable truth.Sedevacantist, Pre-Vatican II CommentaryFr. Marshall’s application is entirely consistent with the Church’s perennial teaching. Pre-Vatican II catechisms clearly warn against entering into the occasions of sin, whether moral or doctrinal. Vatican II’s ecumenical “dialogue” and its recognition of false religions as means of salvation are not merely imprudent—they are proximate occasions of sin against faith, placing souls in grave danger of heresy and apostasy.Synodality institutionalizes what the saints warned against: engagement with error under the guise of charity. The true Church never grants freedom to “choose” doctrine; her members are bound to receive and profess the faith whole and entire. Thus, to “avoid the occasions of sin” in our time necessarily means avoiding the Vatican II sect altogether—its Masses, sacraments, governance, and teaching. Fidelity demands holding fast to the faith of all time, assisted by sacramental life in the remnant Church where valid clergy still serve.TrueCatholicFaith.com